WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 6: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for investigations into unfair trade subsidies to Canadian growers, as New York State onion farmers struggle against an influx of produce, priced below the price of production, coming across the border. "New York State is home to prime onion-producing land, yet our f  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release: House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) led four Members of Congress in a bipartisan letter to the Associate Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Allen Gutierrez regarding the agency's progress in implementing its outreach goals to better provide entrepreneurial services to Historically Black Colleges and   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 3: Tomorow evening, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) will be joined for the President's State of the Union address by Mary Nelson, President and CEO of Mary Nelson's Youth Center in Syracuse and founder of the annual Youth Day BBQ and Backpack Giveaway. Syracuse has the nation's highest concentrated poverty among blacks and Hispanics, and about half of the city's children live in poverty. Since coming to   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - Rouda and Tlaib Also Request Information From Marathon Petroleum Company * * * Rep. Harley Rouda, the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, and Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the Vice Chairwoman of the Subcommittee, sent a letter asking the Environmental Protection Agency to investigate the chemical release incident at the Detroit facility of   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release: On February 13, 2020 the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet will hold a hearing on "Protecting Federal Judiciary Employees from Sexual Harassment, Discrimination, and Other Workplace Misconduct." The hearing will examine the state of the Federal Judiciary's protections against workplace harassment, discrimination and ot  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The House Administration Committee issued the following testimony on Feb. 5 by Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, at a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Smithsonian Institution: Opportunities for Growth by Honoring Latino Americans and Asian Pacific Americans": Thank you for this opportunity to discuss my bill, H.R. 4132 - the "Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act," a bill that I have proudly introduce  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The House Administration Committee issued the following testimony on Feb. 5 by Jose E. Serrano, D-New York, at a hearing entitled "Oversight of the Smithsonian Institution: Opportunities for Growth by Honoring Latino Americans and Asian Pacific Americans": Thank you for your invitation to testify on the importance of honoring the contributions of Latino and Asian Pacific Americans, and ensuring their full inclusion within the Smithsonian Institution. I am proud to join my   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- The House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations issued the following hearing information: "Fake It Till They Make It: How Bad Actors Use Astroturfing to Manipulate Regulators, Disenfranchise Consumers and Subvert the Rulemaking Process" at 2128 Rayburn House Office Building at 2 p.m. on Feb. 6: Witness List: * Bartlett Naylor, Financial Policy Advocate, Public Citizen * Beth Simone Noveck, Professor and Director, GovLab, Tandon School of Enginee  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- The House Judiciary Committee issued a report (H.Rpt. 116-311) on a bill (H.R. 4018) that will amend the Second Chance Act of 2007 to provide that the amount of time that an elderly offender must serve before being eligible for placement in home detention is to be reduced by the amount of good time credits earned by the prisoner. The report was advanced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, on Nov. 26. Excerpts of the report follow: Purpose and Summary...2 Background and N  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- The House Oversight and Reform subcommittee on Government Operations issued the following testimony on Feb. 5 by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, at a hearing entitled "A Threat to America's Children: The Trump Administration's Proposed Changes to the Poverty Line Calculation": My name Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I am honored to be here today on behalf of New York's 14th district. First, I want to thank Chairman Connolly for participating in this week's historic   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 4: Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, sent a letter asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the total annual medical costs associated with gun violence in the United States  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: House of Representatives Cancer Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is advocating for a significant increase in the nation's investment in medical research and hopes initiatives to advance better treatments are included in the State of the Union address taking place on February 4, 2020, which is also World Cancer Day. Higgins also hopes to see additional funding for research included in the Pr  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Just now, President Trump highlighted Congresswoman Elise Stefanik's bipartisan paid leave and child tax credit legislation during the State of the Union address. "As we support America's moms and dads, I was recently proud to sign the law providing new parents in the Federal workforce paid family leave, serving as a model for the rest of the country," said President Trump. "Now, I call on the Congress to  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman Urges Local Fire Departments to Apply for Critical FEMA Dollars - Brindisi: These dollars get our local fire departments the gear they need and my office is here to help * * * Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) is now taking applications from local fire departments. Brindisi announc  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman's Legislation Receives Support from Prominent Veterans Service Organizations at Congressional Hearing * * * Congressmen Anthony Brindisi (NY-22) and Dan Meuser (PA-9), members of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced H.R. 5761, the Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities for Veterans (AUTO) Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase access to the Department   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5 regarding President Trump's State of the Union Address: "We heard from the President tonight about his priorities to improve the State of our Union and now it's time both sides drop the partisan politics and work to improve the lives of the American people. "It was an honor to have President Trump sign my legislation last year to improve services for our Veterans, strengthen manufacturing in Upsta  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Congressman's Cosponsored USPS Fairness Act Passes with Broad Republican and Democrat Support - Brindisi: This Bill Will End an Unfair Government Mandate and Protect our Postal Service * * * Congressman Anthony Brindisi protected the United States Postal Service (USPS) and bolstered their viability and sustainability by supporting the USPS Fairness Act. The bipartisan legislation, cosponsored  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 6: * * * - Gateway to Careers Act would provide funding for needed social services that assist students as they prepare to join the workforce * * * U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) joined Rep. Alma Adams, PhD (NC-12) in introducing the Gateway to Careers Act in the House. This legislation will create a career pathway grant program that would fund partnerships between community or tech  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 7 regarding the Trump administration block grant Medicaid proposal: U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) voted to pass a resolution opposing the Administration's attempts to cap federal Medicaid reimbursements which would limit access to care among low-income populations. "Access to quality, affordable health care is one of the most critical issues we face in upstate New York. "The Administra  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 4: * * * - Delgado Letter Follows Hoosick Falls Community Working Group Meeting, Urges Establishment of Safe Drinking Water Standards and Hazardous Substance Designation - Delgado: Already too much time has passed without meaningful action from the EPA * * * U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) sent a letter to EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez on January 31, 2020 to follow up on top  more

KINGSTON, New York, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: This afternoon, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) joined the community for the Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration at the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. "Black History Month celebrates the life, legacy, and achievements of African Americans across our country," said Delgado. "Our region has a rich history of black leaders stretching back hundreds of years--including Ulster Co  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Antonio Delgado, D-New York, issued the following news release: Representatives Antonio Delgado (NY-19) and Paul Tonko (NY-20) announced Delgado's bipartisan bill, H.R.4697, the End the Limo Loophole Act, has support from 65 House members on both sides of the aisle. The End the Limo Loophole Act was introduced along with a larger package of legislation that improves limousine safety protocol following the Schoharie Limo Crash of 2018. The bill makes updates to current  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Eliot L. Engel this week helped pass a resolution, which he cosponsored, condemning the Trump Administration's efforts to block grant Medicaid, a proposal that would eliminate critical health benefits and services for working families. "Medicaid block grants are illegal: plain and simple," said Rep. Engel. "The fundamental structure of Medicaid cannot be changed without Congressional action. Repu  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following opening statement: Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, delivered the following statement at a full committee hearing on challenges women face in global health: "This is one of those topics where I think it's helpful to take a step back and look at the big picture so we can understand why this issue--global women's health--should be a foreign policy priority. "We know that wh  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman: "Lieutenant Colonel Vindman honored his oath and did his duty when he came forward about President Trump's abuse of power. He deserves the thanks and respect of the American people. "But we know that this president believes the only loyalty that matters is loyalty to him personally, so today he had Colonel Vindman escorted ou  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on the growing number of attacks on civilians in Idlib, Syria: "I strongly condemn the Assad regime's horrific assault against the Syrian people in and around Idlib. The regime and its backers--Russia and Iran--have bombed civilian hospitals, clinics, shelters and residential areas. These are clear violations of international law and must cease immediately. "I   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 7: "Lieutenant Colonel Vindman honored his oath and did his duty when he came forward about President Trump's abuse of power. He deserves the thanks and respect of the American people. But we know that this president believes the only loyalty that matters is loyalty to him personally, so today he had Colonel Vindman escorted out of the White House. "This is shameful of course. But this is also what we sh  more

BRONX, New York, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement on reports that Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch has retired from the State Department: "When we look back at this challenging time in American history, there's no doubt that Marie Yovanovitch will be seen as one of the heroes. For more than three decades, she has been a model of service to our country: helping to advance our values and interests while striving  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5: Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the following statement: "There's no such thing as an acquittal when you don't have a real trial. The Senate's sham process was nothing more than an extension of the President's coverup. Today's vote was the ultimate demonstration that the Party of Lincoln has become the Party of Trump, and that for Republican lawm  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Eliot L. Engel led the entire New York City Congressional Delegation on a letter to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) about changes to the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), which could affect the City's ability to respond to public health threats. "Having a robust public health infrastructure is critical to protecting the City from 21st century health threats," said   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Eliot L. Engel gave remarks on Wednesday, February 5th at a Planned Parenthood reception on Capitol Hill honoring New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey's longtime work to advance women's sexual and reproductive health rights globally. "I want to thank my dear friend Nita Lowey--she has been a tireless advocate and leader on this issue in Congress," Engel said. "The fight to protect women's health and  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: This week, Congressman Eliot Engel voted to pass H.R. 2474, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, to hold employers accountable for violating workers' rights, end the use of forced arbitration and strengthen the sacred right of workers to join in union. Engel was an original cosponsor of the bill. "Unions are the backbone of the American economy. As a former UFT member and the son of a union ironwo  more

GLEN ROCK, New Jersey, Feb. 3 -- Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on Port Authority combating human trafficking: In the fight against human trafficking, we rely fully on -- and have the utmost confidence in -- the hardworking law enforcement officers of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. The Port Authority Police Department is the nation's largest transportation law enforcement department, policing Teterboro Airport, John F. Kenne  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) application period is now open and invites local fire departments to apply. The AFG program provides competitive grants to fire departments and nonaffiliated EMS organizations to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to establish or expand fire prevention p  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Under Bill Approved by House Funding to Grow to $475 Million by 2026 * * * Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives has approved a major increase in funding for the Great Lakes. Higgins, a member of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, is an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act (H.R. 4031). "The Great Lakes Restoration I  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced House passage of H.R. 2474, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. The legislation protects worker rights by closing loopholes corporations use to exploit workers, expanding collective bargaining rights, strengthening workers' access to fair union elections, and introducing meaningful penalties for companies and executives that violate employee rights. Th  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced House passage of H.R. 5687, the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief and Puerto Rico Disaster Tax Relief Act. The legislation provides $4.67 billion in emergency assistance to support Puerto Rico following a series of recent earthquakes. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 237-161. "Our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico ha  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Legislation to Address Post-Deployment Mental Health and PTSD With Therapeutic Service Dogs * * * Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced House passage of H.R. 4305, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act. The legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a 5-year pilot program that would assess the effectiveness of addressing post-  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - "Hover oveR" App Designed to Provide Emergency Responders Rapid Access to Information Following Wildfires or Disasters * * * During a visit to Williamsville East High School, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced Vidya Shah the winner of the 2019 Congressional App Challenge, an annual competition challenging middle and high school students from House Congressional districts across the Unite  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 6: "White House actions against New York and Western New York trusted travelers are punitive and unacceptable. We are already receiving calls from Western New York residents in the final stages of trusted traveler enrollment who are being turned away today, and others confused as a result of this hasty, heavy handed and ill-conceived decision. "Over 16.8 million truck and passenger vehicle crossings oc  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Brian Higgins, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Provision Requiring USPS to Prepay Retiree Benefits 75 Years in Advance Has Overburdened the System, Forced Cuts & Closures * * * Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announces approval of the USPS Fairness Act (H.R. 2382). The bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Higgins, repeals the requirement for the United States Postal Service (USPS) to prepay future retirement benefits. "For years the Postal Serv  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 6: Following an announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it has suspended its Global Entry and Trusted Traveler programs for New York residents in response to New York's new 'Green Light Law,' U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24), Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, urged Governor Andrew Cuomo to prioritize the safety of New York state residents by working with DHS to make pol  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 6: Last night, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) voted in support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2019, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored to provide federal investment for projects that ensure access to clean drinking water and protects Lake Ontario and the Great Lakes. Across Central New York, the GLRI has been responsible for the implementation of 48 water quality and restorati  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. John Katko, R-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 6: * * * - Driven by Oswego Sexual Harassment Case, Katko Announces Legislation to Increase Tenant's Rights & Prosecute Harrasment * * * U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) will be joined in Washington by CNY Fair Housing Executive Director, Sally Santangelo, for a roundtable discussion on ending sexual violence in public housing. The roundtable is hosted by the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence,  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following floor remarks to the House Rules Committee in support of an emergency supplemental appropriations bill to provide support to Puerto Rico following a series of recent earthquakes (H.R. 5687): In recent weeks, thousands of families in Puerto Rico were forced from their homes, schools were flattened, and roads and infrastructure were severely damaged as earthquakes wracked a  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Nita Lowey, D-New York, issued the following statement: Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks to the House Foreign Affairs Committee on her legislation, H.R. 1055, the Global Health Empowerment, and Rights (HER) Act, which would permanently repeal the devastating Global Gag Rule: "Chairman Engel, Ranking Member McCaul, and my fellow colleagues, thank you for allowing me to   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Nita Lowey, D-New York, issued the following statement: Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY17/Rockland-Westchester), Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after President Trump delivered his State of the Union address: "President Trump's address was disconnected from reality and once again demonstrated his loose relationship with the truth. His claims about an American comeback fly in the face of the challenges too many working  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, issued the following statement condemning Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf's abrupt policy announcement last night excluding New York residents from Trusted Traveler eligibility: "The Trump Administration's public announcement suspending Trusted Traveler Program applications and renewals for New  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement in response to President Trump's 3rd State of the Union Address: "I have said from day one that I would happily work with President Trump to lower the costs of prescription drugs and health care, fix our roads, or support working families. "Sadly, there has not been a good-faith effort from the Administration to work together with Congress on these important issues, but my offer still stands."  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following statement: The Senate voted to acquit President Donald Trump on two charges: Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement: "The Senate's 'trial' may be over, but the facts still stand: President Trump used taxpayer money and official acts to pressure a foreign government to help h  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), sponsor of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, will be joined tonight at the State of the Union by Virginia Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy. Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy led Virginia's effort to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. With Virginia's passage, three quarters of states have ratified the ERA, making the amendment eligible to be  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - House passes the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, the most significant upgrade to U.S. labor law in 80 years * * * Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) voted to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a bold, bipartisan bill that will strengthen workers' power to stand together and negotiate for fairer paychecks, better benefits, and safer working conditions. The PRO Act is   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, issued the following news release on Feb. 3: * * * - Chooses Campaigning for Trump in Iowa and PA Over Her Obligations to Taxpayers and Congress * * * Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, the Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, sent a letter warning Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that the Committee may issue a subpoena to compel her testimony following her refusal to appea  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release Feb. 5: Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18), Co-Chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, and Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-33), a Vice Chair of the Equality Caucus, welcomed Dan Reynolds, the lead vocalist for Imagine Dragons, Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees, and Carmen Carrera of RuPaul's Drag Race to the United States Capitol to share concerns impacting LGBTQ youth, including the need for a federal ban on taxpayer-f  more

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Gregory W. Meeks, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressman Gregory Meeks led a bipartisan letter with the entire New York City Congressional delegation and Members of the Long Island Congressional delegation to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), calling on the regulator to not sell taxi medallion debt the agency has acquired. Taxi Medallion loans have come under intense scrutiny for being over-valued debt traps, pushing taxi drivers to th  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on Feb. 7, entitled "Local-Based Social Security Benefits Act": I rise today to bring attention to the need to ensure that we protect the most vulnerable of Americans, our elderly, disabled and disadvantaged citizens, from the risk of living in poverty. Social Security was established 85 years ago, to provide a structure to maintain a collective sense of security am  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on Feb. 7, entitled "No Public Charge Deportation Act": For over 100 years, public charge has been part of U.S. immigration law as a ground of deportation. It is time we change that part of law, especially with how the current administration is weaponizing this rule to hurt families and limit them from accessing critical safety net programs. Since the Trump adminis  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following statement, which was published in the Congressional Record on Feb. 7, entitled "Pathway to Stable and Affordable Housing for All Act": I rise today to highlight the human right of every person to have a safe and affordable home. As we know, our nation is faced with a staggering housing crisis. At least 600,000 Americans are experiencing homelessness in a given night--and this number can vary throughout the year. In the Stat  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following statement: U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Committee--which funds all federal agencies and programs--issued the following statement ahead of President Trump's State of the Union speech tonight. "The State of the Union is an opportunity to bring together the nation around our shared values and norms; it is a time to heal divisions and speak to our better angels. This evening, I hope Preside  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following testimony on Feb. 5: * * * - Congresswoman appears before key House committee to call for passage of the * * * U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Vice Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, testified before the House Administration Committee to advocate for the passage of her legislation that would examine the possibility of creating the first national museum dedicated to preserving the history, culture, and  more

QUEENS, New York, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Grace Meng, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Congresswoman invites Abdul Quddus Chaudhry, a member of 32BJ SEIU, as her guest for the speech to stand up for working men and women and their fight for workers' rights * * * In an effort to stand with working men and women and their fight for improved protections such as health care, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) announced that Abdul Quddus Chaudhry of Flushing, Queens, a security officer   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Joseph Morelle, D-New York, issued the following statement in response to President Trump's State of the Union Address: "I am profoundly disappointed that rather than putting forth a vision to bring our country together and address the real issues facing working families, the President chose to hold a campaign rally in our nation's Capital. "The President failed to use the State of the Union address to demonstrate true leadership and to articulate a clear vision fo  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following opening statement on Feb. 5 at an oversight hearing with FBI Director Christopher Wray: "Although we have a great deal of ground to cover today, nearly every topic we discuss will be linked to two questions: How is the FBI working to address some of the most serious threats to our nation? And, when it falls short, how is the Bureau working to correct its course and live up to o  more

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued the following news release: * * * - New programs deny due process and rush families through life-or-death legal screenings behind closed doors * * * Congressional leaders called on Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf to immediately halt implementation of the Trump Administration's new asylum programs, Prompt Asylum Claim Review (PACR) and the Humanitarian Asylum Review Proces  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, issued the following statement: "This is yet another result of one-party extremist control in Albany hurting New Yorkers, and we warned of this impending outcome two weeks ago. "As someone who lived through 9/11, I am astonished how Governor Cuomo could disregard the words of the 9/11 Commission where they noted 'For terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons.' "The Department of Homeland Security provides many services to New Yo  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-New York, issued the following statement on President Trump's proposed Israeli-Palestinian peace plan: "As a strong supporter of Israel, I have always been in favor of a two-state solution negotiated by the Israelis and Palestinians to achieve long-term peace and stability in the region. Any such solution must ensure the safety and security of Israel, as well as the sovereignty of a future Palestinian state. "As outlined in its proposed plan, I am pl  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5 after the Senate acquitted President Trump in his impeachment trial: "Today will be remembered as a solemn day for the rule of law in our country. By blocking witnesses and documents throughout this trial, Mitch McConnell and Senate Republicans ignored the will of the American people and abandoned their constitutional duty to act as impartial jurors. An acquittal without a fair trial is no acquittal a  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Bill would disqualify politicians who commit campaign finance crimes from receiving a taxpayer-funded pension * * * Building on his record of fighting corruption in Washington, Congressman Max Rose joined Congressman Josh Harder (CA-10) to introduce the No Pensions for Corrupt Politicians Act of 2020 last week which would stop criminals who served in Congress from receiving their pensions. The bill sp  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following floor remarks: Congressman Max Rose, who helped lead the effort calling on leadership to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, voted to pass the bipartisan Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act last night which would expand labor unions' negotiating power, provide new protections for unions and workers, and stiffen penalties for companies that violate workers' rights. Rose, an original co-sponsor of the legislation, de  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Max Rose, D-New York, issued the following floor remarks: The House of Representatives passed Congressman Max Rose's bipartisan legislation to rename the Dyker Heights Post Office as the Mother Cabrini Post Office. Prior to the vote, Rose spoke on the House floor in support of the legislation, which was co-sponsored by the entire New York delegation, will now go to the Senate for a vote. "Mother Cabrini will always be a shining example of our country's commitment to   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced that Fort Drum is one of the three final options for a fourth Army Corps Headquarters. "I'm thrilled to announce Fort Drum is now one of the three final options to be designation as a fourth Army Corps headquarters," said Congresswoman Stefanik. "Fort Drum has proved itself as the best possible option for this designation, as they will be able to rapidly expand   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release on Jan. 3: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has announced David Fisher, dairy farmer from St. Lawrence County, will be her guest to the State of the Union set to be delivered by President Trump tomorrow night. David and the Fisher family have been operating Mapleview Dairy for four generations in Madrid, New York. David has been an active member of his community, serving on the Madrid Town Board for many years,  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Stefanik is cosponsoring H.R. 1049, the bipartisan National Heritage Area Act, which would authorize funding for National Heritage Areas (NHAs) for the next twenty years and strengthens the process for designating new areas. Heritage areas have a proven record of fostering job creation and advancing economic, cultural, historic, environmental, and community development. In addition to job c  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik voted in favor of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2019, legislation that reauthorizes the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and helps meet the needs of communities by increasing funding. Over the past decade, the GLRI has assisted Great Lakes communities after decades of environmental damage threatened public health, regional economies, and drinking water.  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 4 regarding President Trump's State of the Union Address: "Tonight, President Trump delivered an incredibly strong State of the Union as he highlighted his record of results for the American people" "The President's emphasis on our strong economy, unwavering support for our military, and the signing of the USMCA into law are critically important to the North Country, and I've been honored to work wit  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5: During his State of the Union address last night, President Trump surprised the family of Sergeant First Class Townsend Williams with his unexpected return from deployment in Afghanistan. Sergeant Williams is originally a native of Peru, New York. He is also a past Peru Fire Department Firefighter. "Witnessing the reuniting of Sergeant Williams with his family was truly an amazing moment. "I am pr  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5 regarding the Senate's acquittal of President Trump: "Today, the impeachment charade started by Speaker Pelosi, abused by Adam Schiff, and finished by Leader McConnell has finally come to a close." "Throughout this unfair and unprecedented process, I proudly stood up for the Constitution, the facts of the case, and my constituents in New York's 21st district. "I applaud the Senate's diligence in th  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-New York, issued the following news release: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has led the effort in coordinating support between local and state elected officials, community groups, and local businesses in the area surrounding Fort Drum to advocate for the installation's selection as the final site for an additional Army Corps Headquarters. This includes petitions, signed by hundreds of constituents with more signing on each day, in support of the stati  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Thomas Suozzi, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Commits to Fight for Improved Infrastructure of the 77-year-old USMMA Kings Point Campus * * * Congressman Tom Suozzi (D - Long Island, Queens) was named to, and unanimously appointed Chairman of the United States Merchant Marine Academy's Board of Visitors for the 116th Congress. Suozzi has worked to improve and modernize the infrastructure of the 77-year old institution, which is located in his  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Thomas Suozzi, D-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 3: * * * - Linda Beigel Schulman, who lost her son in the tragic Parkland shooting more than two years ago, will join Suozzi to highlight the Senate's inaction to combat gun violence * * * Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) announced that his guest at this year's State of the Union will be gun violence prevention advocate, Linda Beigel Schulman. Schulman, who is one of Suozzi's constit  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Tom Reed, R-New York, issued the following news release: Rep. Tom Reed, co-chair of the Diabetes Caucus, announced he will be bringing Ben Cornell of Bemus Point as his guest to President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday. Ben is a 14-year-old with Type I Diabetes who Tom has gotten to know through JDRF. "Diabetes is an issue that touches just about every family in one way or another," Tom said. "My son has Type I Diabetes, my first floor speech in Congr  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5 regarding President Trump's State of the Union Address: "Tonight, President Trump had the chance to outline a vision for the future that highlights the American spirit of ingenuity and innovation to solve some of our most pressing challenges - climate change, building modern infrastructure and making health care more accessible and affordable. Unfortunately, on all three counts, he fell short. "My co  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - House passes Disapproval Resolution condemning President's efforts to slash Medicaid * * * Congressman Paul D. Tonko voted last night to pass H. Res. 826, a House resolution expressing disapproval of the Trump Administration's latest attacks on Medicaid that threaten the health care of millions of Americans. Last week, the Trump Administration unveiled its plan for states to convert Medicaid into  more

ALBANY, New York, Feb. 4 -- Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-New York, issued the following news release on Feb. 3: Congressman Paul Tonko, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, architects and lead sponsors of a comprehensive national limousine safety package in Congress (fact sheet & detailed summary) cheered today's signing of New York State limousine safety reforms: Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20): "Our hearts remain broken for the families of the deadly Schoharie and  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, issued the following news release: Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), Chairwoman of the House Small Business Committee, conducted oversight of the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM). OCRM is responsible for assessing the risk levels of SBA lending partners and oversees the $120 billion 7(a) and 504 loan portfolios. "The SBA 7(a) loan program plays   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5 regarding President Trump's State of the Union Address: "The President offered little new tonight. He spent significant time distorting economic figures in an attempt to burnish his record. In particular, the President's lies about rising incomes and manufacturing expansion painted a rosy and wholly nonfactual picture. While Donald Trump inherited a strong economy from President Obama, his Admini  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following statement: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) issued the following statement on House passage of H.R. 4305, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act, which he cosponsors. H.R. 4305 authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on dog training therapy. This legislation specifically directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to partner with non-profit organizations  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3 -- Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-New York, issued the following statement: Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Co-Chair of the House Republican Israel Caucus and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, released the following statement following House passage of the Never Again Education Act (H.R. 943), which he cosponsors, by a vote of 393-5: "This past International Holocaust Remembrance Day also marked the 75th anniversary of the libera  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following news release: Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Michael McCaul, the Committee's Ranking Member, sounded a bipartisan warning that Taiwan's exclusion from the U.N. agency overseeing aviation standards and practices could worsen the spread of the coronavirus. In a letter to the International Civil Aviation   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: Representatives Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Joaquin Castro, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, demanded information from the State Department on recently announced rule changes impacting non-immigrant visa applicants seeking to visit the United States. In a letter to Assistant Secretary of State Carl Risc  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Eliot Engel, D-New York, issued the following news release: Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Representative Michael McCaul, the Committee's Ranking Member, sounded a bipartisan warning that Taiwan's exclusion from the U.N. agency overseeing aviation standards and practices could worsen the spread of the coronavirus. In a letter to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) President, the lawmakers pointed  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Rep. Nita M. Lowey, D-New York, chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY) and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) urged the Trump administration to transmit a request to Congress for emergency supplemental appropriations to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-New York, issued the following news release: Congressmembers Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), and Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) urged Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Stephen Dickson to adopt all of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations for doors-off helicopter sightseeing tours that were borne from the Board's investigation of the March 11, 2018 crash of an Airbus AS350 helicopter in the East R  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-New York, issued the following news release: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY) have written to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after reports that an agent shot a man in Brooklyn, today. In the letter, the lawmakers ask to be briefed and demand that ICE in no way impede access to counsel for the immigrants involved in the incident. February 6, 2020 Matthew T. Albence Acting Director Immigration and Customs Enf  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Rep. Kathleen Rice, D-New York, issued the following news release: U.S. Representatives Kathleen Rice (NY-04) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) led a bipartisan letter to Acting Secretary Chad Wolf questioning the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) decision to implement a new policy banning New York State residents from the Global Entry Program and other Trusted Traveler Programs. The letter comes following Acting Secretary Wolf's cable television announcement of the polic  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Federal Funding Will Be Used For Repairs To Oswego's River Walk West, Which Sustained Major Damage From Extreme Flooding On Lake Ontario In 2017 & 2019 * * * U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,396,687.61 in federal funding for critical repairs to the River Walk West in the city of Oswego. The federal funds are administered through   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, issued the following statement: U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) released the statement below following his vote to acquit President Donald J. Trump on both Articles of Impeachment submitted by the U.S. House of Representatives: "The highly partisan impeachment in the House of Representatives seeks to remove President Trump from office for 1) improper motives in conducting an otherwise legal act in furtherance of legitimate national foreign pol  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, issued the following statement on reporting that the Trump administration's incomplete ban on certain flavored e-cigarettes is failing to prevent underage users from vaping: "Barely a month ago, the administration announced a partial ban on flavored e-cigarettes with glaring loopholes. I joined my colleagues at the time in warning that those loopholes would simply shift underage users from Juul to other devices not covered by the ban.   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- In the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, sent a question to the Chief Justice for review by the Senate: The CHIEF JUSTICE. Thank you, Senator from New York. The question from Senators Gillibrand, Casey, Murphy, and Rosen is to the House managers: How do the President's actions differ from other holds on foreign assistance, and how is the hold and release of congressionally appropriated assistance to foreign countries suppos  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following remarks on Feb. 4: Hours before President Trump gives the State of the Union, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced her priorities for New Yorkers and our country, and what she hopes to see included in the president's address. Below are Senator Gillibrand's remarks as delivered: Thank you for joining me. Tonight, President Trump will deliver his State of the Union address, touching on the developments of the   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following statement: Addressing the Trump administration's announcement that the Department of Homeland Security is temporarily banning New York residents from enrolling in Global Entry, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement: "Once again, the Trump administration is misusing the federal government for political retribution. There is no factual basis for this policy--its true design is to punish New Yor  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, issued the following statement on Feb. 5 on President Trump impeachment trial: "The Senate failed the American people today. Despite overwhelming evidence that President Trump abused his power and obstructed Congress, Senate Republicans voted to acquit him, putting their personal ambitions and political futures ahead of the Constitution they swore to uphold. "I voted to convict President Trump because I believe in our democracy and our  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 5 -- Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, issued the following news release: * * * - Senator Says If Trump's Healthcare Sabotage Is Successful, Jonathan's Healthcare--And Millions More With Pre-Existing Conditions--Would Callously Be Ripped Away - Jonathan Fisher Exemplifies What's At Stake As The Trump Administration's Heartless Sabotage Of Healthcare Continues * * * U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he will bring Jonathan Fisher, a 6-year-old from the Bronx,   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 -- In the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, sent a question to the Chief Justice for review by the Senate: The CHIEF JUSTICE. Senator Schumer's question is for the House managers: Would you please respond to the answer that was just given by the President's counsel? Mr. Manager SCHIFF. I would be delighted. There are two arguments that Professor Dershowitz makes: one that is, I have to say, a very odd argument for a criminal d  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 -- In the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, sent a question to the Chief Justice for review by the Senate: The CHIEF JUSTICE. Senator Schumer's question reads as follows: The House Managers say the President demands absolute immunity. The President's counsel disputes this. Can either of you name a single witness or document to which the President has given access to the House when requested? I believe it is time for counsel fo  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 -- In the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, sent a question to the Chief Justice for review by the Senate: The CHIEF JUSTICE. Senator Schumer's question is for the House managers: Would you please respond to the answer that was just given by the President's counsel? Mr. Manager SCHIFF. I think we can all see what is going on here, and that is, if the House wants to call witnesses, if you want to hear from a single witness, if   more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 -- In the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, sent a question to the Chief Justice for review by the Senate: The CHIEF JUSTICE. Thank you. The question from Senator Schumer for the House managers: Many of our colleagues are worried that if we were able to bring witnesses and documents in the trial it would take too long. Mr. Schiff mentioned we could do depositions in one week. Please elaborate. What can you say that will reassu  more